This is for the Japan group/theme build.

The Raiden has been one of my favorite Japanese aircraft ever since the early 70's when Revell had their classic 1/32 scale kit out. While it had 70's tech it still was loaded with features and details. This Hasegawa one is much more compete in fit and form. Two of my most favorite things to build on a kit are the pit and the engine. I knocked out the engine in about 3 hours with painting and weathering which most likely will not be seen. The decals that were used for the instrument panel just did not really want to behave but after some heavy coats of all of my decal setting solutions they finally succumbed and laid down nicely. I then shot some dull coat over them and completed the remainder of the cockpit assembly.

I had purchased some 32 scale Japanese seat belts that were two piece sets. No threading is required but understandably they did not come with any shoulder belts .The set is actually meant to be used on specific aircraft and replicates either cloth or leather belts.